7 Craft Beers Putting L.A. on the Map

The city’s having a microbrew moment

Listen, a chilled glass of Chardonnay is nice and all. But maybe it’s time to swap your usual for something more flavorful and foodie-endorsed: one of Los Angeles’s new craft beers.

You don’t have to be an experienced beer drinker to find something you’ll love, from a light pilsner to a dark malt. For some expert guidance, we tapped the brother owners of Mumford Brewing. Here’s a snapshot of seven local beers they’re digging right now.

Mumford Brewing

Think you don?t like dark beer? Roll into this taproom and ask for a glass of the Black Mamba. It?s dark like a stout and slightly hoppy like an IPA. Sip it with the Röckenwagner pretzels sold there or order from the nearby XLIXE Pizzeria, which delivers right to your table.

Smog City Brewing Company

Want to enjoy a local craft beer but don’t have the time to hang out in a bar or restaurant? Call ahead to this Torrance spot and ask for a growler, a refillable half-liter container that the brewery seals for home consumption. The quaff of choice is the Coffee Porter, a prize-winning dark brew that’s made with--you guessed it--ground coffee.

Enegren Brewing Company

This Moorpark brewery has distinguished itself with Valkyrie, a German-style Altbier (a brown ale rare among craft breweries, especially in SoCal). Its version ups the bitterness and malt, resulting in a toasty, caramely and chocolatey taste.

Ohana Brewing Company

Imagine a German dark beer’s big taste crossed with the lightness of a Belgian pale ale. That’s the Saison Noir, a great introductory dark beer. This one has a fruity, spicy aroma that makes it seem like you’re drinking your dessert.Ohana Brewing Company, 7 S. First St., Alhambra; 626-282-2337 or ohanabrew.com

Three Weavers (w/ Arts District Brewing)

Ever think the whole craft beer thing is overblown? Stop into K-town’s Beer Belly bistro or visit the brand's Inglewood tap room and order a mug of Return of Sassy--its layered flavors will turn you into a believer. The IPA is made with rye, which gives it a pleasant grassy taste, along with fruity notes of pineapple, peach and grapefruit.